Electrical connector for an electronic device holder

ABSTRACT

An electronic device holder includes a mounting surface configured to receive an electronic device. A door is operably coupled to the mounting surface and is moveable between open and closed positions relative to the mounting surface. An electrical connector is slideably coupled to the mounting surface, wherein the electrical connector moves to an extended position as the door moves to the open position due to an abutting relationship with the door. The electrical connector is configured to remain in the extended position as the door moves from the open position to the closed position. The electrical connector is configured to be moved manually to an electrically connected position with the electronic device after the door has been moved to the closed position. When connected, the electrical connector is configured to power the electronic device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a holder assembly for anelectronic device for mounting to the rear of a seatback within avehicle interior, and more specifically, to a holder assembly for anelectronic device which provides for easy loading and electronicconnectivity with the electronic device, while being mounted to theframe of a seatback without interfering with the set tolerances of theseatback frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tablets, touch screen devices, and other like portable electronicdevices are often handheld or supported on the lap of the user. Userswill often switch between holding the device, supporting the device ontheir lap, or placing the device in an electronic device holder withhigh frequency. The ease of mounting and dismounting a portableelectronic device, such as a tablet, into and out of an electronicdevice holder is important. The portable electronic device must beeasily retained in the holder during loading and unloading of theelectronic device. Thus, providing an electronic device holder that canbe operated by a single hand to provide a secure mounting within thedevice holder is desired. Further, seatback frames generally include anupper cross member having some type of support flange disposedtherealong. With multiple manufactures and stamping plants for the partsof the seatback frame, a number of configurations exist for the supportflange. Thus, a coupling system is desired, wherein a structural memberhas the versatility to couple to the various configurations of a supportflange in a seatback frame to provide an appropriate and consistentlanding for attaching a mounting bracket.

The present invention provides an electronic device holder securelymounted to a seatback in a vehicle which can be loaded and unloaded by asingle hand of the user in a fast and secure manner, while furtherproviding an electrical connection between the electronic device and apower source or data connection of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes an electronic device holderhaving a mounting surface configured to receive and retain an electronicdevice. A door is operably coupled to the mounting surface between openand closed positions. An electrical connector is slideably coupled tothe mounting surface and moves to an extended position as the door movesto the open position. The electrical connector remains in the extendedposition as the door moves to the closed position, after which theelectrical connector can be manually moved to a connected position.

Another aspect of the present invention includes an electrical connectorhaving an outer housing which includes outwardly extending upper andlower portions. A power plug is disposed between the upper and lowerportions. The upper portion is configured to locate to a first side ofan electric device and the lower portion is configured to locate to asecond opposite side of the electric device for aligning the power plugwith a power port of the electronic device.

Another aspect of the present invention includes an electronic deviceholder having a mounting surface configured to receive and retain anelectronic device. A door is slideably coupled to the mounting surfacebetween open and closed positions. An electrical connector is receivedthrough the door and slideably coupled to the mounting surface betweenextended and connected positions. The electrical connector electricallyis configured to connect with the electronic device in the connectedposition.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes an electronicdevice holder having a mounting surface with a mounting cavity formounting an electronic device therein. First and second doors aredisposed on opposite sides of the mounting cavity and are operablycoupled to the mounting surface for movement between open and closedpositions. An electrical connector is slideably coupled to the mountingsurface between extended and connected positions, wherein the electricalconnector is configured to move to the extended position when the doorsare in the open position. Further, the electrical connector isconfigured to remain in the extended position as the doors move to theclosed position around the electronic device. The electrical connectoris further configured for electrical connection with the electronicdevice as manually moved from the extended position to the connectedposition when the doors are in the closed position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of a vehicle seat havingan electronic device holder mounted to a seatback thereof according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the vehicle seat andelectronic device holder of FIG. 1 with a seat cover removed to reveal aseatback frame and mounting system;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a mounting bracket forthe electronic device holder mounted to the seatback frame;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the seatback framehaving the mounting bracket removed therefrom and a support membermounted on a support flange;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket coupled to thesupport flange and support member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of the electronicdevice holder;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side perspective view of the electronic deviceholder mounted to the seatback frame;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting bracket and lockingplate;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket and locking plateof FIG. 7 as assembled;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a B-side of a cover;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a mounting bracket and the cover of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket and the cover ofFIG. 10 as assembled;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the A-side of the cover of FIG. 9having a retractable door exploded away therefrom;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cover and retractable door of FIG.12 as assembled with the retractable door in a retracted position;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the mounting bracketbeing mounted to the seatback frame;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the mounting bracketof FIG. 14 mounted on the seatback frame;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the mounting bracketof FIG. 15 mounted on the seatback frame with a mounting plate explodedaway therefrom;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the mounting bracketmounted on the seatback frame;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a right hand door assembly;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a left hand door assembly;

FIG. 20 is a rear plan view of the doors of FIGS. 18 and 19 mounted to aback side of a mounting surface;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the electronic device holder of FIG. 20with the mounting surface removed;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary front perspective view of a detent releaselever pivotally coupled to the mounting surface in a depressed position;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the detent releaselever of FIG. 22 shown in an extended position;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the detent release lever and adetent lever;

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the detent release lever anddetent lever of FIG. 24 further showing a locking lever coupled to anactuator carriage;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the mounting surface having theright hand door removed and showing an actuator lever in an actuatedposition and the locking lever in an unlocked position;

FIG. 27 is a front plan view of the electronic device holder showing theleft and right hand doors in an open position with the actuator lever inthe actuated position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a pre-loadforward tilt positon as loaded into the electronic device holder;

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 28in an upright position within mounted in the electronic device holder;

FIG. 30 is a front plan view of the electronic device mounted in theelectronic device holder with the left and right hand doors closed andan electrical connector connected to the electronic device;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the electrical connector removedfrom the electronic device holder and having a power plug mountedthereto;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the electrical connector of FIG. 31with the power plug removed;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an inset slot disposed on the mountingsurface;

FIG. 34A is a rear perspective view of the inset slot of FIG. 33;

FIG. 34B is a rear perspective view of the inset slot of FIG. 34A havingthe electrical connector coupled thereto;

FIG. 35A is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector having apower plug received in a power port of the electronic device taken atline XXXVA of FIG. 30;

FIG. 35B is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector coupledto the electronic device taken at line XXXVB of FIG. 30;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector as coupledto the electronic device taken along line XXXVI of FIG. 35B;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector as coupledto the first door;

FIG. 38 is a rear elevational view of the electronic device holder;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the electronic device holder ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle seat having anelectronic device holder mounted thereto in a downward storage position;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a mounting portion of the electronicdevice holder;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of the electronicdevice holder;

FIG. 43A is a side elevational view of a locking plate;

FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the locking plate of FIG. 43A;

FIG. 44A is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device holdermounted to a mounting bracket;

FIG. 44B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device holdermounted to the mounting bracket;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the locking plate of FIG. 43A asmounted to the mounting bracket with the electronic device holderfurther mounted thereto;

FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of the mounting portion of theelectronic device holder as mounted to the mounting bracket;

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of a button cover mounted to thelocking plate as mounted to the mounting bracket;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of a cone nut received through themounting bracket and received within the button cover;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connection betweenthe electronic device holder and the vehicle seat; and

FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device holder havingconcealed wiring disposed through the hinged connection to the vehicleseatback.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 generally designatesan electronic device holder as mounted to a vehicle seat 12. The vehicleseat 12 includes a headrest assembly 14 as well as a seatback 16 havinga front side 16A and a rear side 16B. The electronic device holder 10 ishingedly or pivotally coupled to the rear side 16B of the seatback 16and is configured to support and retain an electronic device thereon.The electronic device to be supported by the electronic device holder 10is generally a portable electronic device, such as a tablet, a mobilephone, a DVD player, or other like electronic device. For the purposesof this disclosure, the electronic device to be supported in theelectronic device holder 10 may be described herein as a tablet,although one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other suchelectronic devices can be used with the present invention.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the electronic device holder 10 includes amounting surface 20 having upper and lower frame members 22, 24extending outwardly therefrom. The upper and lower frame members 22, 24are rigid members which are vertically spaced-apart on opposite sides ofthe mounting surface 20 and extend outwardly in a car-rearward directionfrom the mounting surface 20 in assembly. As further shown in FIG. 1,the electronic device holder 10 further includes left and right doorassemblies 26, 28 which are disposed on opposite sides of the mountingsurface 20 and are further operable between open and closed positions.In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the left and right door assemblies 26, 28are shown in the closed position C1, C2, respectively. The left andright door assemblies 26, 28 are configured to move laterally, withrespect to the mounting surface 20, for receiving an electronic devicewithin the electronic device holder 10. Specifically, the left hand door26, also referred to as the first door 26, is configured to movelaterally in a direction as indicated by arrow 27 to the open positionO1, as further described below and shown FIG. 27. Similarly, the righthand door 28, also referred to as the second door 28, is configured tomove laterally in a direction as indicated by arrow 29 to the openposition O2, which is also shown and described below with reference toFIG. 27. With the first and second doors 26, 28 in the closed positionsC1, C2, a frame assembly 30 is defined by the first and second doors 26,28 and the upper and lower frame members 22, 24. As shown in FIG. 1, theframe assembly 30 surrounds the mounting surface 20 in a substantiallycontinuous manner. Thus, the first and second doors 26, 28, in a similarmanner to the upper and lower frame members 22, 24, extend outwardlyfrom the mounting surface 20, such that the frame 30 surrounds andgenerally defines a mounting cavity 32 disposed directly adjacent to themounting surface 20 in a car-rearward direction for receiving anelectronic device.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the first and second doors 26, 28 havegenerally C-shaped cross-sections, thereby defining lip or outer edgeportions 26C, 28C, respectively, which are used to abut and retain anelectronic device in the mounting cavity 32 when the first and seconddoors 26, 28 are in the closed position C1, C2. Similarly, the lowerframe member 24 also includes a generally C-shaped cross-section havinga lip or outer edge portion 24C which is also used to retain anelectronic device in use. As further shown in FIG. 1, the lower framemember 24 also includes L-shaped retaining corners 24A, 24B disposed onopposite sides thereof. The corner portions 24A, 24B are used to retainan electronic device in the electronic device holder 10 when the firstand second doors 26, 28 are in the open position O1, O2, as furtherdescribed below. Specifically, the L-shaped retaining corners 24A, 24Bare configured to support an electronic device in a pre-load position,otherwise referred to herein as a forward tilt FT position, as furtherdescribed below with reference to FIG. 28. The first and second doors26, 28 further include inwardly turned L-shaped upper corner portions26A, 28A which help to retain an upper portion of an electronic deviceas retained within the electronic device holder 10. Thus, the lip orouter edge portions 24C, 26C and 28C of the lower frame member 24 andthe first and second doors 26, 28, respectively, are spaced outwardlyfrom the mounting surface 20 and surround the mounting cavity 32 forcapturing and retaining an electronic device in the mounting cavity 32.The first and second doors 26, 28 are configured to move from the closedpositions C1, C2 to the open position O1, O2 in a synchronized mannerdue to a geared connection between the first and second doors 26, 28, asfurther described below.

Referring still to FIG. 1, the electronic device holder 10 furtherincludes an ejector pin 34 and a detent release lever 36. In use, theejector pin 34 helps urge an electronic device retained in theelectronic device holder 10 to a pre-load or forward tilt position whenthe first and second doors 26, 28 are in the open position O1, O2, asfurther described below, for facilitating the removal of the electronicdevice. As further shown in FIG. 1, the first door 26 includes anelectrical connector 40 which is used to connect to an electrical portof an electronic device as retained within the electronic device holder10. The second door 28 includes an actuator 42 which is a slideactuator, or “shotgun” actuator, configured to move vertically in adirection as indicated by arrow 43 along the second door 28 betweenat-rest and actuated positions. As shown in FIG. 1, the actuation lever42 is shown in the at-rest position and is configured to move downwardlyalong path 43 to the actuated position (shown in FIG. 27) which, asfurther described below, drives the first and second doors 26, 28 fromthe closed position C1, C2 (FIG. 1) laterally to the open position O1,O2 (FIG. 27). Actuation of the actuation lever 42 is contemplated to beabout 10-15 mm of travel along the actuation path indicated by arrow 43.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the vehicle seat 12 is shown having a seatcover removed to reveal a seatback frame 44. The seatback frame 44includes an upper portion 46 having an upwardly extending and forwardlyrolled support flange 48 which is used to support a mounting system 50for mounting the electronic device holder 10 to the vehicle seat 12. Themounting system 50 includes an outer panel 52 and a trim retention cover54 for concealing componentry of the mounting system 50.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the mounting system 50 is shown having theelectronic device holder 10 and trim retention cover 54 removed toreveal a mounting bracket 56 having an inverted U-shaped channel 58disposed at an uppermost portion thereof. In assembly, the mountingsystem 50 is configured, such that the inverted U-shaped channel 58 ofthe mounting bracket 56 engages the support flange 48 of the seatbackframe 44 for generally supporting the weight of the mounting system 50and the electronic device holder 10 when mounted thereto, as shown inFIG. 2. The inverted U-shaped channel 58, having a hook-shapedcross-section, is supported by the support flange 48 against loads thatmay be realized on the mounting system 50 in direction as indicated byarrows L₁ and L₂, as well as load forces intermediate thereto, asfurther described below. As further shown in FIG. 3, a support member 60is disposed between the support flange 48 of the seatback frame 44 andthe inverted U-shaped channel 58 of the mounting bracket 56 in assembly.The support member 60, as shown in FIG. 3, has a cross-section akin to acursive lowercase “a” shape for engaging the support flange 48 andsupporting the mounting bracket 56 at the inverted U-shaped channel 58.It is contemplated that the seatback frame 44 and the mounting bracket56 are comprised of a stamped metal material to provide adequaterigidity and support for a vehicle occupant, as well as to provide rigidsupport for the electronic device holder 10 in assembly. The supportmember 60 is contemplated to be comprised of a polymeric material thatis adequately resilient to provide an anti-vibrational seal between themetal components. The support member 60 is further contemplated to be alinear member comprised of an extruded polymer having sufficientrigidity to couple to the support flange 48, as well as having flexiblyresilient properties for ease of installation.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a power module 57 is disposed adjacent to themounting bracket 56, and is configured to power the electronic deviceholder 10 when coupled thereto, as shown in FIG. 2. The power module 57is accessible through the mounting system 50, as further describedbelow. As used throughout this disclosure, the term “power module” isused to describe any type of electrical port that is configured toprovide power to the electronic device holder 10 as well as provide apoint of exchange for electronic and/or digital data to the electronicdevice. As electrically coupled to the power module 57, the electronicdevice holder 10 can be used to charge an electronic device retainedtherein. Thus, it is contemplated that the power module 57 iselectrically coupled to a power supply of a vehicle in which the vehicleseat 12 is disposed, such that power module 57 is electrically coupledto an external power source for powering and interfacing with anelectronic device. Further, it is contemplated that the power module 57can be a modular power module having its own power supply containedtherein, such as a battery powered module.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, the seatback frame 44 is shown with themounting bracket 56 removed therefrom to reveal the support member 60 ascoupled to the support flange 48 of the seatback frame 44. As shown inFIG. 4A, as well as FIG. 4B, the support member 60 includes a front wall62, a top wall 64 and a rear wall 66 to define a generally invertedU-shaped body portion 67. The support member 60 further includes a loopshaped portion 68 which helps to locate the support member 60 to thesupport flange 48 within a cavity portion 48 a defined by the supportflange 48 given its forwardly curved configuration at forward curve 48b. The loop shaped portion 68 extends inwardly from front wall 62 intothe inverted U-shaped portion 67. The configuration of the body portion67 of the support member 60 is geometrically similar to the invertedU-shaped channel 58 of the mounting bracket 56, as shown in FIG. 3, forease in properly locating the mounting bracket 56 to the support member60 as supported on the support flange 48. The support member 60 solves avery common, but often very difficult problem in the automotive industrywhere carry-over parts, such as the seatback frame 44, are standard anda single part design is used world-wide on many different vehicles. Asshown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the seatback frame 44 has a unique structurein the support flange 48 which is used to support the attachment of themounting bracket 56. As noted above, seatback frames are made bymultiple stamping plants world-wide, such that the ultimate shape of thesupport flange 48 is often varied from vehicle to vehicle. While theoverall configuration of the support flange 48 various with differentseatback frames, the material thicknesses of the support flange 48 isrelatively consistent from vehicle to vehicle, and the support flange 48is generally curved forward, at forward curve 48B, to avoid a sharp edgein the seatback frame 44 for purposes of occupant safety in a potentialcollision event. The use of the support member 60 allows for astructural attachment configuration that requires no changes to thevarious stamped support flanges, such as support flange 48, for usetherewith. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the support member 60 isrolled onto the forward curve 48 b of support flange 48 to therebydefine a home position HM of the support member 60, wherein the supportflange 48 is received in a generally L-shaped channel 70 of the supportmember 60. In the home position HM, support member 60 substantiallycovers the support flange 48 and defines a landing on which the invertedU-shaped channel 58 of the mounting bracket 56 can be received. Thus,with the support member 60 in the home position HM, as shown in FIG. 4A,the inverted U-shaped channel 58 can be driven downward onto the supportmember 60, as shown in FIG. 4B, thereby forcing the support member 60into a vice grip onto the material thickness M1 of the support flange48. Driving the inverted U-shaped channel 58 onto the support member 60wedges the support member 60 into the inverted U-shaped channel 58 aswell as the cavity portion 48 a of the support flange 48. Thisconfiguration provides pinch points P1-P4 acting between the supportmember 60, the inverted U-shaped channel 58, and the support flange 48,to provide a secure engagement for the mounting bracket 56. Thus, thesupport member provides a compliant and self-retaining connectionlocation for the mounting bracket 56 that is consistent and repeatableacross varied support flange configurations without changing theseatback frame structurally.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the support member 60 is shown disposed withinthe inverted U-shaped channel 58 of the mounting bracket 56, wherein thebody portion 67 of the support member 60 is shown generally configuredto match the U-shaped cross-section of the inverted U-shaped channel 58.The loop shaped portion 68 disposed off of the front wall 62 of thesupport member 60, defines the L-shaped channel 70 between the bodyportion 67 and the loop shaped portion 68. This L-shaped channel 70 isconfigured to receive the support flange 48 along a curvature thereof,as best shown in FIG. 4B, in a snap-fit style engagement.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a side profile of the seatback 16 of thevehicle seat 12 is shown with the seatback frame 44 having theelectronic device holder 10 mounted thereto. The electronic deviceholder 10 is mounted to the upper portion 46 of the seatback frame 44 atsupport flange 48 via inverted U-shaped channel 58 of mounting bracket56. As described above, the support member 60 is disposed between theinverted U-shaped channel 58 of the mounting bracket 56 and the supportflange 48 of the seatback frame 44. In this way, the mounting bracket 56is primarily supported from the support flange 48 and the support member60, providing adequate support for the electronic device holder 10 in acantilevered fashion.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the mounting bracket 56 is shown havingupper and lower mounting portions 72, 74 with a rearwardly extendingbody portion 76. The body portion 76 of the mounting bracket 56 includesfirst and second angled walls 77, 78 and a mounting wall 79. Referringagain to FIG. 3, the power module 57 is shown disposed in the rearwardlyextending body portion 76 of the mounting bracket 56. As further shownin FIG. 7, the mounting wall 79 includes first and second receivingapertures 80 a, 80 b disposed therethrough, as well as a number ofmounting apertures 82 which are used to mount a locking plate 90 to themounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56 in a slideable manner. Thelocking plate 90 is slideably mounted to the mounting bracket 56 viafasteners 92 which pass through mounting apertures 94, which aredisposed through the locking plate 90, to reach the mounting apertures82 disposed on the mounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56. Themounting wall 79 further includes a forwardly extending tab 84 whichpasses through aperture 96 disposed on the locking plate 90 in assembly,as shown in FIG. 8. The locking plate 90 similarly includes a forwardextending tab 98 which cooperates with the tab 84 of the mountingbracket 56 for connecting a biasing member 100, such as a spring,therebetween. As specifically shown in FIG. 8, first and second lockingapertures 97 a, 97 b, are disposed through the locking plate 90, andalign with first and second receiving apertures 80 a, 80 b of themounting bracket 56 to securely mount electronic device holder 10 to themounting bracket 56. As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lowermounting portion 74 of the mounting bracket 56 includes first and secondmounting apertures 75 a, 75 b which are used to couple the mountingbracket 56 to the seatback frame 44, as further described below. Theupper mounting portion 72 includes the inverted U-shaped channel 58disposed along an upper portion thereof. In FIG. 8, the locking plate 90is shown in a default locked position and slidingly mounted to themounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56 via fasteners 92 for lateralmovement in a direction as indicated by arrow Q. The function of thelocking plate 90 is further described below with reference to FIGS.44A-45.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the trim retention cover 54 for the mountingsystem 50 (shown in FIG. 3) is shown having first and second side walls102, 104 with a body portion 106, which includes a B-side 106B and anA-side 106A disposed therebetween. The body portion 106 rearwardlyextends to define a cavity 108 which generally follows the contours ofthe mounting bracket 56 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The body portion 106further includes a central mounting wall 110 having clip members 112 andfirst and second access apertures 114 a, 114 b disposed therethrough, aswell as a central aperture 115. The clips 112 are used to mount the trimretention cover 54 to the mounting bracket 56 as further describedbelow. The body portion 106 of the trim retention cover 54 furtherincludes a plurality of spaced-apart support ribs 116 disposed on alower portion thereof. The support ribs 116 help to rigidify thestructure of the trim retention cover 54 for better supporting anelectronic device holder. Adjacent to the support ribs 116, mountingbosses 118 are disposed on opposite sides of the body portion 106. Inassembly, the mounting bracket 56 is coupled to the trim retention cover54 at mounting bosses 118 as further described below. Finally, the trimretention cover 54 further includes upper mounting apertures 119 whichare also used to couple the mounting bracket 56 to the trim retentioncover 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of a mountingbracket 56 is shown exploded away from the trim retention cover 54. Inthis embodiment, the mounting bracket 56 includes upper and lowermounting portions 72, 74, wherein the upper mounting portion 72 includestwo upper hook members 59 disposed on opposite sides of the invertedU-shaped channel 58. The upper hook members 59 includes apertures andfasteners 120 which are used to couple the mounting bracket 56 tomounting apertures 119 disposed on the trim retention cover 54. On thelower mounting portion 74, the mounting bracket 56 also includesapertures and fasteners 120 for mounting the mounting bracket 56 to themounting bosses 118 of the trim retention cover 54. As further shown inFIG. 10, the mounting bracket 56 includes another embodiment of thelocking plate 90 a slidingly coupled to mounting wall 79. The lockingplate 90 a is configured such that clip receiving apertures 122 areaccessible for receiving clips 112 of the trim retention cover 54 whenthe mounting bracket 56 is coupled to the trim retention cover 54 asshown in FIG. 11. As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the biasingmember is in the form of a tension spring, thereby connecting outwardlyextending tabs 84 and 98 of the mounting bracket 56 and locking plate 90a, respectively, to bias the locking plate to a locked position, asfurther described below. As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a mountingplate 124 includes first and second mounting posts 126 a, 126 bconfigured to be received through first and second mounting apertures 75a, 75 b disposed on the lower mounting portion 74 of the mountingbracket 56. In assembly, the mounting plate 124 is coupled to themounting bracket 56 at first and second mounting apertures 75 a, 75 bvia first and second mounting posts 126 a, 126 b, wherein a portion ofthe seatback frame 44 is captured therebetween, as further describedbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the trim retention cover 54 is shown from theA-side 106A of the body portion 106, wherein the central mounting wall110 is shown having a retractable door 130 exploded away therefrom. Onthe A-side 106A of the body portion 106, the mounting wall 110 includesfirst and second track members 132, 134 which are configured to receivethe retractable door 130 and guide the retractable door 130 betweenextended and retracted positions. As shown in FIG. 13, the retractabledoor 130 is mounted to the first and second track members 132, 134 andis in the retracted position R on a seatback dock 135. The door 130further includes a handle 136 which is configured to be engaged by auser to move the door 130 to the extended position E along a path asindicated by arrow A. In this way, the retractable door 130 moves alongthe first and second track members 132, 134 so as to provide access tothe mounting wall 110 of the trim retention cover 54 in the retractedposition R, and to cover the same in the extended position E. With theretractable door 130 in the retracted position R, access apertures 114a, 114 b of the trim retention cover 54 and receiving apertures 80 a, 80b of the mounting bracket 56 are aligned and accessible for mounting anelectronic device holder thereto, and central aperture 115 is alsoaccessible for electrically connecting the electrical device holder tothe power module 57. In the extended position E, the retractable door130 covers the receiving apertures 80 a, 80 b, 114 a, 114 b to providean aesthetically pleasing cover when an electronic device holder is notmounted to the vehicle seatback.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the mounting bracket 56 is shown beingmounted to the seatback frame 44, after the support member 60 is rolledinto place on the support flange 48 to the home position HM forproviding a landing for mounting bracket 56. With specific reference toFIG. 14, the mounting bracket 56 is first vertically loaded, in adirection as indicated by arrow B, onto the support member 60 andsupport flange 48 at the inverted U-shaped channel 58 disposed on theupper mounting portion 72 of the mounting bracket 56. Once the mountingbracket 56 is mounted on the support member 60 and support flange 48 atthe inverted U-shaped channel 58, the lower mounting portion 74 of themounting bracket 56 is rotated towards the seatback frame 44 in adirection as indicated by arrow D. In this position, the mountingbracket 56 is mainly supported at the upper mounting portion 72 via themounting of the inverted U-shaped channel 58 to support flange 48,having support member 60 disposed therebetween and providing a mountinglanding, as described above. Further, in the position shown in FIG. 15,the mounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56 is in a substantiallyvertical position, with the lower mounting portion 74 abutting theseatback frame 44. In this position, the first and second mountingapertures 75 a, 75 b are configured to receive the first and secondmounting posts 126 a, 126 b of mounting plate 124 as further describedbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the mounting bracket 56 is coupled tothe seatback frame 44 as generally supported by the support flange 48.The seatback frame 44 includes a mounting portion 45 which, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 17, abuts the lower mounting portion 74 of the mountingbracket 56 as properly positioned on the seatback frame 44. The mountingportion 45 of the seatback frame 44 includes first and second mountingapertures 47 a, 47 b, through which first and second mounting posts 126a, 126 b of mounting plate 124 are received. Thus, in the exploded viewof FIG. 16, the mounting plate 124 will mount to the mounting portion 45from the front side 16A of the seatback frame 44 through first andsecond mounting apertures 47 a, 47 b using first and second mountingposts 126 a, 126 b. With reference to FIG. 17, the first and secondmounting posts 126 a, 126 b are shown extending through the first andsecond mounting apertures 75 a, 75 b of the lower mounting portion 74 ofthe mounting bracket 56, which abuts the mounting portion 45 on the rearside 16B of the seatback frame 44.

Thus, the mounting system 50 does not require the mounting bracket 56 tobe mounted to the seatback frame 44 with additional screws or bolts thatrequire additional fastening locations in a standard seatback frame 44.Instead, the mounting system 50 of the present concept includes themounting bracket 56 being generally supported from the support flange 48via the inverted U-shaped channel 58 along the upper mounting portion72. At the lower mounting portion 74 of the mounting bracket 56, thefirst and second mounting posts 126 a, 126 b of the mounting plate 124extend through the first and second mounting apertures 47 a, 47 b of theseatback frame 44, and further extend through the first and secondmounting apertures 75 a, 75 b of the lower mounting portion 74 of themounting bracket 56. The first and second mounting apertures 47 a, 47 bdisposed in the seatback frame 44 are contemplated to be preexistingmounting apertures disposed on the seatback frame 44, such that themounting system 50 of the present concept does not require additionalscrew or bolt holes in the seatback frame 44. With the mounting plate124 in place and the mounting posts 126 a, 126 b extending through thefirst and second mounting apertures 75 a, 75 b of the lower mountingportion 74 (see FIGS. 16, 17), the trim retention cover 54 can beclipped to the mounting bracket 56, such that the first and secondmounting posts 126 a, 126 b abut the lower portion of the trim retentioncover 54 near the support ribs 116 (see FIGS. 9-11). In this way, thetrim retention cover 54 cooperates with the mounting bracket 56 andmounting plate 124 to capture and positively retain a portion of theseatback frame 44 therebetween for maintaining proper alignment of themounting system 50. It is contemplated that this coupling is a non-loadbearing coupling which does not interfere with the pre-set tolerances ofthe vehicle seat 12 in a way that rigidly coupled screws or bolts beingadded to the seat frame structure would so interfere. In this way, themounting system 50 does not require customized attachment holes at ornear support flange 48, yet supports the electronic device holder 10adequately. Further, the design of the mounting system 50 does notrequire screws or bolts to couple to the seatback frame 44 to supportthe electronic device holder 10.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, mounting apertures 47 a, 47 b are availablelow down on the seatback frame 44, but the remaining structural featuresof the seatback frame 44, near its upper portion, are already used forother seat attachments and support functions. The only available featureis the top curled edge of the stamping, the support flange 48, which, asnoted above, is dimensionally uncontrolled from the various seatbackframe manufacturers. Thus, the support member 60 was developed toprovide a compliant, self-retaining component that would interfacefirmly with the controlled surfaces of the seatback frame 44, while alsocomplying with the uncontrolled surfaces, such as the support flange 48.When rolled onto the curled edge of the support flange, as shown in FIG.4A, the support member 60 becomes self-retaining, and yet provides aconsistent and repeatable compliant surface in the home position HM ontowhich the inverted U-shaped channel 58 of the main mounting bracket 54can be mounted. The result is a tight, vibration or rattle resistantconnection at the top of the mounting bracket 54 without anymodifications to the world sourced and uncontrolled seatback frame 44.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the right hand or second door 28 is shownhaving a main body portion 140 which includes front and rear sides 142,144. The body portion 140 includes an upper portion 140A and a lowerportion 140B. As shown in FIG. 18, the upper portion 140A has agenerally U-shaped configuration culminating in the lip or outer edge28C. The lower portion 140B of the body portion 140 is shown in FIG. 18having a different configuration relative to the upper portion 140A foraccommodating the corner portion 24B of lower frame member 24 (FIG. 1).In assembly, the front portion 142 and rear portion 144 are disposed onopposite sides of the mounting surface 20 (FIG. 1). Disposed on thefront side 142 of the second door 28, actuation lever 42 is slideablycoupled thereto for movement along actuation path 43. Thus, theactuation lever 42 moves vertically in a direction as indicated by arrow43 along the front side 142 of the body portion 140. The actuation lever42 is shown in FIG. 18 in an at-rest position F and is moveable alongpath 43 to an actuated position G. The actuation lever 42 is coupled toa carriage 146 via fasteners 148. In assembly, the carriage 146 moveswith the actuation lever 42 along path 43. The carriage 146 furtherincludes a connecting portion 147 for connecting to a biasing lever, asfurther described below.

Referring again to FIG. 18, the second door 28 also includes a mountingportion 150 having a body portion 152 with a number of slots 154disposed therethrough which are elongated slots. The slots 154 are usedto mount the second door 28 to the mounting surface 20 (FIG. 1) in aslideable manner. In this way, the door 28 can move laterally in adirection as indicated by arrow 29 from the closed position C2 to theopen position O2. A detent lever 156 is pivotally coupled to the bodyportion 152 of the mounting portion 150 at pivot location 158. Thedetent lever 156 is used to detent, or otherwise retain, the first andsecond doors 26, 28 in the open position O1, O2 as shown in FIG. 27. Alocking lever 160 is also pivotally coupled to the body portion 152 ofthe mounting portion 150 at pivot location 162. The locking lever 160 iscoupled to the carriage 146 at connecting portion 147, such that thelocking lever 160 pivots with the movement of the actuation lever 42 inassembly. The mounting portion 150 further includes an engagementportion 164 extending laterally off the body portion 152. The engagementportion 164 includes upper and lower racks 166, 168 which are used tomount the second door 28 to a back side of the mounting surface 20 in ageared relationship with first door 26, as further described below. Theupper and lower racks 166, 168 are generally toothed track sectionswhich are configured to engage a gear for movement in an incrementalmanner with first door 26. As further shown in FIG. 18, a spring housing170 is disposed on the body portion 152 of the mounting portion 150 andfirst engagement flange 172 is disposed at a distal end of theengagement portion 164. In assembly, the spring housing 170 isconfigured to house a biasing mechanism which couples to the lockinglever 160 to bias the locking lever 160 to an at-rest position AR, asbest shown in FIG. 25. The first engagement flange 172 is furtherconfigured to couple to a biasing member which is coupled to both thefirst door 26 and second door 28 to bias the doors 26, 28 towards theclosed position C1, C2, as further described below. The mounting portion150 further includes a second engagement flange 174 which is alsoconfigured to couple to a biasing member between the first door 26 andsecond door 28 to bias the first and second doors 26, 28 towards theclosed position C1, C2, (FIG. 1) as further described below.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the left hand or first door 26 is shown havinga main body portion 180 which includes front and rear sides 182, 184.The body portion 180 includes an upper portion 180A and a lower portion180B. As shown in FIG. 19, the upper portion 180A has a generallyU-shaped configuration culminating in the lip or outer edge 26C. Thelower portion 180B of the body portion 180 is shown in FIG. 19 having adifferent configuration relative to the upper portion 180A toaccommodate the corner portion 24A of the lower frame member 24 (FIG.1). In assembly, the front portion 182 and rear portion 184 are disposedon opposite sides of the mounting surface 20 (FIG. 1). The first door26, much like second door 28, also includes a mounting portion 190having a body portion 192 with a number of slots 194 disposedtherethrough which are elongated slots. The slots 194 are used to mountthe first door 26 to the mounting surface 20 (FIG. 1) in a slideablemanner along a rear side 20B of the mounting surface 20. In this way,the first door 26 can move laterally in a direction as indicated byarrow 27 from the closed position C1 to the open position O1 (FIG. 1).The mounting portion 190 further includes an engagement portion 196extending laterally off the body portion 192. The engagement portion 196includes a rack or toothed section 198 which is used to mount the firstdoor 26 to a back surface of the mounting surface 20 in a gearedrelationship with the second door 28, as further described below. Therack 198 is generally a toothed track section which is configured toengage a gear for movement in an incremental manner with second door 28.The mounting portion 190 further includes a first engagement flange 200which is configured to couple to a biasing member between the first door26 and the first engagement flange 172 of the second door 28 to bias thefirst and second doors 26, 28 towards the closed position C1, C2,(FIG. 1) as further described below. As further shown in FIG. 19, asecond engagement flange 202 is disposed at a distal end of theengagement portion 196. In assembly, the second engagement flange 202 isconfigured to couple to a biasing member also coupled to the secondengagement flange 174 of the second door 28 to bias the first and seconddoors 26, 28 towards the closed position C1, C2, (FIG. 1) as furtherdescribed below. Referring again to FIG. 19, the first door 26 furtherincludes an electrical connector 40 slideably received through receivingaperture 181 (FIG. 29) disposed on the body portion 180 of the firstdoor 26. In assembly, the electrical connector 40 is used to connect toan electronic device received in the electronic device holder 10(FIG. 1) for powering, charging and interfacing with the electronicdevice as further described below.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the first and second doors 26, 28 are shownslideably mounted to a rear side 20B of the mounting surface 20. Therear side 20B includes a number of guide members 204 outwardly extendingtherefrom which abut and guide the mounting portions 190, 150 of thefirst and second doors 26, 28, respectively. As noted above, theengagement portion 164 of the second door 28 includes upper and lowerrack portions 166, 168 which are toothed sections gearingly coupled tothe rear side 20B of mounting surface 20. Specifically, upper rack 166is coupled to a damper mechanism 206 which is rotatably mounted to therear side 20B of the mounting surface 20. The damper mechanism 206 is anoptional damper mechanism to dampen the movement of the first and seconddoors 26, 28 between the open and closed positions along paths 27, 29respectively. The lower rack portion 168 is shown in FIG. 20 coupled toa spur gear 208 which is further coupled to rack portion 198 of firstdoor 26. The spur gear 208 is rotatably mounted to the rear side 20B ofthe mounting surface 20, such that the first door 26 is gearinglyengaged or coupled to the second door 28 for synchronized movementtherewith. Thus, as the first or second door 26, 28 opens or closes, thereciprocal door also opens and closes to ensure that an electronicdevice housed in the electronic device holder 10 is grasped by both thefirst and second doors 26, 28 as the first and second doors 26, 28 closearound the electronic device. As further shown in FIG. 20, the firstengagement flanges 200, 172 of the first and second doors 26, 28 arecoupled to a first biasing mechanism 210 which is shown in the form of acoil spring or tension spring. Further, the second engagement flanges202, 174 of the first and second door 26, 28 are coupled on oppositesides to a second biasing mechanism 212. In assembly, the first andsecond biasing mechanisms 210, 212 cooperate to urge the first andsecond doors 26, 28 towards the closed position C1, C2, therebyfacilitating the closure of the first and second doors 26, 28 around anelectronic device as retained within the electronic device holder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the electronic device holder 10 is shown froma front view having the mounting surface 20 removed. With the mountingsurface 20 removed, a rear housing 21 is shown. As further shown in FIG.21, the geared relationship between the first and second doors 26, 28through spur gear 208 is shown, as well as the biasing of the doors 26,28 to the closed position via first and second biasing members 210, 212.As further shown in FIG. 21, rear housing 21 includes screw towers 23which are disposed in slots 194 and 154 of the first and second doors26, 28, respectively, thereby providing a hard stop for the opening ofthe first and second doors 26, 28. It is contemplated that the slots194, 154 are configured to allow approximately 10 mm of travel for thefirst and second doors 26, 28 from the closed position C1, C2 (FIG. 29)to the open position O1, O2 (FIG. 27). The screw towers 23 areconfigured to receive fasteners that connect the mounting surface 20 tothe rear housing 21 with the mounting portions 190, 150 of the first andsecond doors 26, 28 slideably mounted therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a portion of the front side 20A of themounting surface 20 is shown having detent release lever 36 pivotallymounted thereto. Specifically, the detent release lever 36 is mounted tothe mounting surface 20 at pivot points 220, 222. The detent releaselever 36 includes a body portion 224 having a spring tab 226 disposedtherein. At a distal most end of the detent release lever 36, anengagement tab 228 and an abutment flange 230 are disposed. In FIG. 22,the detent release lever 36 is shown disposed in a generally verticalposition, such that the detent release lever 36 is generally flush withfront side 20A of mounting surface 20. In this vertical position,described herein as release position H, the detent release lever 36 isdisposed within aperture 218 of the mounting surface 20, and it iscontemplated that the spring tab 226 can abut the rear housing 21 of theelectronic device holder 10 in this release position H. The detentrelease lever 36 is in the release position H when an electronic deviceis positioned in the electronic device holder 10. When the electronicdevice is placed in the electronic device holder 10, the abutment flange230 abuts a back panel of the electronic device. An upper actuation slot214 is shown disposed through the mounting surface 20 which is used tocouple the actuation lever 42 (FIG. 1) to the mounting surface 20 formovement along actuation path 43. As the actuation lever 42 movestowards the actuated position, the detent release lever 36 is moved fromthe release position H to the extended position I along actuation path Jas shown in FIG. 23. In the extended position I, the engagement tab 228and abutment flange 230 are fully extended outward, approximately 5 mm,from the front side 20A of the mounting surface 20 as the body portion224 of the detent release lever 36 has pivoted at pivot points 220, 222.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the detent release lever 36 is shown having acammed surface 240 disposed on the engagement tab 228. Detent lever 156is shown having a similarly cammed surface 242. As described above,detent lever 156 is generally coupled to the second door 28, however,the detent lever 156 is shown in FIG. 24 without the second door 28 toclearly show the interaction of the cammed surfaces 240, 242. In FIG.24, the carriage 146, which is attached to the actuator 42 in assembly,is shown coupled to the upper actuation slot 214. The upper actuationslot 214 includes a generally vertical portion 214A and a laterallyextending portion 214B. Thus, the carriage 146 includes a connectingportion 149 that is disposed within the upper actuation slot 214 andguided therealong. It is contemplated that the carriage 146 includes asecond coupling portion which is disposed within a lower actuation slot216 (see FIG. 26) having the same configuration as upper actuation slot214. As the carriage 146 moves downward in the direction as indicated byarrow 43 by the movement of the actuation lever 42 by the user, theconnecting portion 149 will generally move vertically along verticalportion 214A, and then move outwardly through laterally extendingportion 214B of the upper and lower actuation slots 214, 216. In thisway, the second door 28 moves outwardly and away from the mountingsurface 20 to release an electronic device housed therein. As thecarriage 146 moves along upper actuation slot 214, detent lever 156 willmove from the at-rest position L, shown in FIG. 24, to an actuatedposition M, shown in FIG. 26, along an actuation path as indicated byarrow K. Thus, in FIG. 24, the detent lever 156 and the detent releaselever 36 are shown as they would be positioned when the doors 26, 28 areclosed and locked, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 25, as the second door is moved outwardly by themovement of the carriage 146 to the laterally extending portion 214B ofupper actuation slot 214, the detent lever 156 will also move laterallyin the direction as indicated by arrow N. The movement in the directionas indicated by arrow N aligns the cammed surface 240 of the detentrelease lever 36 with the cammed surface 242 of the detent lever 156. Asthe detent lever 156 pivots in the direction as indicated by arrow Ktowards the actuated position M (FIG. 26), the cammed surface 242 of thedetent lever 156 will act on the cammed surface 240 of the detentrelease lever 36, thereby urging the detent release lever 36 to theextended position I shown in FIG. 23. In the extended position I (FIG.23), the engagement tab 228 and abutment flange 230 are disposed about 5mm proud of the mounting surface 20. As further shown in FIG. 25, therear side 20B of the mounting surface 20 includes a lock structure 252which is configured to engage the locking lever 160 in the at-restposition AR, and lock the doors 26, 28 in the closed position C1, C2.Thus, as the carriage 146 moves along upper and lower actuation slots214, 216, locking lever 160 will rotate from the at-rest position AR,shown in FIG. 25, to an actuated position AP, shown in FIG. 26. When thelocking lever 160 is in the at-rest position AR, the doors 26, 28 are inthe closed position C1, C2. When the locking lever 160 is in theactuated position AP and free from lock structure 252, the doors 26, 28are detented in the open position O1, O2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, thedetent lever 156 and the detent release lever 36 are shown as they wouldbe positioned when the doors 26, 28 are closed and locked, as shown inFIG. 1.

Referring again to FIGS. 24 and 25, the detent lever 156 includes anabutment portion 260 which engages a retention feature 254 disposed onthe rear side 20B of the mounting surface 20. As the detent lever 156moves laterally in the direction as indicated by arrow N, the abutmentportion 260 will clear the retention feature 254. Once the abutmentportion 260 clears the retention feature 254, the detent lever 156 isfree to move upward along the path as indicated by arrow K to theactuated position M shown in FIG. 26. The detent lever 156 furtherincludes a connecting portion 262 which is coupled to a biasingmechanism 264 which biases the detent lever 156 towards the actuatedposition M, such that when the abutment portion 260 clears the retentionfeature 254, the detent lever 156 will automatically move to theactuated position M, thereby causing the detent release lever 36 to moveto the extended position I due to the urging interaction of the cammedsurfaces 240, 242. In the actuated position M, the detent lever 156serves to detent the second door 28 in the open position O2. Asgearingly coupled to the second door 28, the first door 26 will alsodetent in the open position O1 when the detent lever 156 is in theactuated position M. As used herein, the term “detent” is meant toconvey that the detent lever 156 blocks movement of another part. Inthis case, the doors 26, 28 detent in the open position O1, O2 as theyare blocked from movement to the closed position C1, C2 by the detentlever 156.

Referring now to FIG. 26, the detent lever 156 is shown in the actuatedposition M as the abutment portion 260 has cleared the retention feature254 and therefore allowed the detent lever 156 to move to the actuatedposition M as biased by biasing member 264. As further shown in FIG. 26,the second door 28 is removed to show the actuation lever 42 coupled tothe carriage 146 which is coupled to upper and lower actuation slots214, 216. The actuation lever 42 is moved to the fully actuated positionG along the actuation path as indicated by arrow 43, such that thedetent lever 156, as coupled to the second door 28 in assembly, hasmoved laterally in the direction as indicated by arrow N within slot256. Thus, the movement of the actuation lever 42 downwardly alongactuation path 43, causes the second door 28 to move laterally to theopen position O2 (FIG. 1) which also moves the detent lever 156 to aposition from which the detent lever 156 can be biased upwards towardsthe actuated position M to interact with detent release lever 36. Thus,in FIG. 26, the detent lever 156 and the detent release lever 36 areshown interacting as they would be when the doors 26, 28 are opened anddetented open, as shown in FIG. 27.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the electronic device holder 10 is shown withthe first and second doors 26, 28 detented to the open positions O1, O2,such that the frame 30 is in a disconnected or open configuration O3around the mounting surface 20. In order to move the frame 30 from theconnected position, shown in FIG. 1, to the disconnected or openposition O3, shown in FIG. 27, it is contemplated that a user has movedactuation lever 42 downward along actuation path 43 to the actuatedposition G, thereby opening the first and second doors 26, 28. In thisposition, the electronic device holder 10 is configured to receive anelectronic device for retention therein. Opening the first door 26 hasalso moved the electrical connector 40 to an extended position V, asfurther described below. The first and second doors 26, 28 will remaindetented in the open position O1, O2 until actuated to the closedposition C1, C2 by a user, as further described below.

As further shown in FIG. 27, the ejector pin 34 includes a retractableplunger 270 which is shown in an extended position, wherein the plunger270 extends outwardly from the mounting surface 20. It is contemplatedthat the mounting surface 20 includes a cushioned surface, such as aflocking member, that will serve as an anti-vibrational member betweenthe electronic device holder 10 and an electronic device. Theretractable plunger 270 of the ejector pin 34 is biased towards theextended position and will also bias an electronic device against theframe 30 of the electronic device holder 10 when an electronic device isretained therein. Further, the plunger 270 will urge an electronicdevice to the forward tilt position FT (FIG. 28) when the electronicdevice is released by the first and second doors 26, 28 opening. As anelectronic device is loaded into the electronic device holder 10, theretractable plunger 270 will easily move to a retracted position that issubstantially flush with the mounting surface 20, yet pressing againstthe electronic device for better retention with reduced potential forrattle.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the electronic device holder 10 is shown withthe first and second doors 26, 28 still detented in the open positionsO1, O2, such that electronic device 300 can be loaded into the openframe 30. As noted above, the electronic device holder 10 is configuredto be presented to a vehicle occupant for easy insertion and removal ofan electronic device. As shown in FIG. 28, the electronic device 300 isin the form of a tablet device. The electronic device holder 10 isconfigured such that the tablet 300 is securely held during loading intothe electronic device holder 10. The electronic device holder 10 of thepresent concept is configured such that a user can load and unload anelectronic device with one hand. This one-handed loading action is madepossible by an easy and semi-automatic load and unload capability of theelectronic device holder 10.

As further shown in FIG. 28, the electronic device 300 includes an outerframe 302 which surrounds a central screen area 304. On a left side ofthe electronic device 300, a power port 306 is disposed. The electronicdevice 300 is shown in a forward tilt position FT, in which theelectronic device 300 is essentially supported by the lower frame member24 at turned up retaining corners 24A, 24B. In the forward tilt positionFT, a gap 308 is defined between the electronic device 300 and themounting surface 20. The gap 308 is shown at the upper portion of theelectronic device 300 and helps provide the necessary clearance for auser to grasp and remove the electronic device 300 from the electronicdevice holder 10. From the forward tilt position FT, the electronicdevice 300 is ready to be rotated back towards the mounting surface 20long a path as indicated by arrow P. In this way, the electronic device300 moves from the forward tilt position FT to an upright position U(FIG. 29), wherein the electronic device 300 is disposed between theupper and lower frame members 22, 24. However, as a one-handed loadingdevice, the retaining corners 24A, 24B provide an effective retentionmechanism for the electronic device 300 when it is pushed forward by theejector pin 34, such that the electronic device 300 is prevented fromtilting too far forward and falling from the mounting cavity 32.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the electronic device holder 10 is shown withthe first and second doors 26, 28 in the closed positions C1, C2, suchthat the electronic device 300 is in the upright position U and retainedby the frame 30 in a closed position C3. The biasing mechanisms 210, 212(FIG. 20) load as the first and second doors 26, 28 are moved laterallyapart to the open position O1, O2 (FIG. 27). From this position, thebiasing mechanisms 210, 212 are prepared to move the first and seconddoors 26, 28 towards the closed position C1, C2 (FIG. 29) when actuatedby the user. To actuate the closure of the first and second doors 26,28, it is contemplated that a user has a number of different optionsavailable. As noted above, the detent release lever 36 is disposed onthe mounting surface 20 (FIGS. 22, 23) and is actuated when loading thetablet 300 into the electronic device holder 10. Specifically, when thetablet 300 is moved from the forward tilt position FT (FIG. 28) to theupright position U (FIG. 29) the back of the tablet 300 will engage thedetent release lever 36 and move the detent release lever 36 to thesubstantially flush or release position H. The movement of the detentrelease lever 36 to the flush or release position H from the extendedposition I causes cammed surface 240 of the detent release lever 36 toengage cammed surface 242 (FIG. 24) of the detent lever 156. This actionon detent lever 156 urges abutment portion 260 of detent lever 156 toclear retention feature 254 disposed on the rear side 20B of themounting surface 20 (FIGS. 24-26), thereby releasing the second door 28from the open position O2, and allowing the first and second doors 26,28 to spring closed as biased by biasing mechanisms 210, 212 (FIG. 20).When the occupant is ready, a simple one-handed squeezing action of thetop of the tablet 300 into the mounting cavity 32 will depress thedetent release lever 36 and the doors 26, 28 will close. Further, thedetent release lever 36 can be actuated directly by the user in theabsence of the tablet 300, by pushing the detent release lever 36 fromthe extended position I (FIG. 23) to the flush or release position H(FIG. 22) to close the doors 26, 28. Alternatively, it is contemplatedthat a sharp inward tap to the second door 28 will result in the instantclosure of both doors 26, 28 without damaging the electronic deviceholder 10. Using any of the methods noted above, the door closure actionis both decisive and automatic to positively relay to a user that thetablet 300 is fully locked and retained within the electronic deviceholder 10.

Referring again to FIG. 29, the electrical connector 40, disposed onfirst door 26, is still in the extended position V. The electricalconnector 40 is slideably disposed through a receiving aperture 181disposed in the first door 26 and is further configured to align withpower port 306 (FIG. 28) disposed on the left hand side of theelectronic device 300. In use, the electrical connector 40 is moved tothe extended position V by the movement of the first door 26 to the openposition O1 along path 27 (FIG. 1). This is due to an abuttingrelationship between the body portion 180 of first door 26 and theelectrical connector 40. Thus, as the first door 26 moves to the openposition O1 along path 27 (FIG. 1), the first door 26 carries theelectrical connector 40 towards the extended position V. As the firstdoor 26 moves laterally to the closed position C1, there is no abuttingrelationship with the electrical connector 40, such that the electricalconnector 40 remains in the extended position V as the first doorcloses. When loading the tablet 300 into the electronic device holder10, the first and second doors 26, 28 must fully close automatically tosecure the tablet 300 in place, regardless of the electrical connector40 being connected to the tablet 300. Thus, the closing of door 26 doesnot affect the position of the electrical connector 40, and theelectrical connector 40 does not interfere with the closing of the doors26, 28.

The electrical connector 40 is configured to electrically connect theelectronic device 300 to the power module 57 shown in FIG. 13. In thisway, the electronic device holder 10 can power and charge the electronicdevice 300 as retained therein. With the frame 30 in the closed positionC3, the electronic device 300 is essentially retained by the outer edgeportions 24C, 26C and 28C of the lower frame member 24 and the first andsecond doors 26, 28, respectively, are configured to capture and retainthe electronic device 300 in the mounting cavity 32 (FIG. 1) of theelectronic device holder 10. Thus, the electrical connector 40 will bedisconnected from the electronic device 300 as the doors 26, 28 move tothe closed position C1, C2 to secure the electronic device 300 therein.In this way, the electronic device holder 10 allows for one-handedloading and unloading of the electronic device 300.

Referring now to FIG. 30, the electrical connector 40 is shown in aconnected position W. The electrical connector 40 is moved to theconnected position W by a user manually locating the power port 306(FIG. 28) on the electronic device 300, and pushing the electricalconnector 40 laterally towards the electronic device 300 and first door26, when the first door 26 is in the closed position C1. The electricalconnector 40 is configured to have an adequate amount of play as mountedto the device holder 10, such that a user can manipulate the electricalconnector 40 up and down and side to side to ensure that the electricalconnector 40 properly connects with and is received in power port 306 ofthe electronic device 300, as further described below.

Referring now to FIG. 31, the electrical connector 40 is shown having anouter housing 310, a body portion 312, an upper portion 350 and a lowerportion 314. The outer housing 310 includes a shoulder portion 311 whichgenerally abuts the body portion 180 of the first door 26 (FIG. 30) whenthe first door 26 moves outwardly to the open position O1, as shown inFIG. 28. The outer housing 310 generally includes a C-shapedcross-section which substantially conforms to the C-shaped cross-sectionof the body portion 180 of the first door 26 (FIG. 19). In assembly, theelectrical connector 40 is received through an aperture 181 (FIG. 29)disposed on the first door 26 and is slidingly coupled to the mountingsurface 20, as further described below. As further shown in FIG. 31, thebody portion 312 includes a power plug 316 which is mounted thereto. Thepower plug 316 is configured to electrically connect with the power port306 (FIG. 28) of the electronic device 300 to power or charge theelectronic device 300, as further described below. The lower portion 314of the electrical connector 40 defines a mounting portion having anoutwardly extending flange 318 with a plurality of tunable ribs 320disposed on an upper portion thereof, and a central guide member 322disposed on a lower portion thereof. The lower portion 314 furtherincludes first and second retaining legs 324 a, 324 b (FIG. 32) whicheach include abutment portions 326 a, 326 b, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 32, the electrical connector 40 is shown havingthe power plug 316 removed to reveal an aperture 313 disposed within thebody portion 312 of the electrical connector 40, through which the powerplug 316 (FIG. 31) outwardly extends. As shown in FIG. 32, the retaininglegs 324 a, 324 b outwardly extend below the flange member 318 and areconfigured to be flexibly resilient retention legs for coupling theelectrical connector 40 to the mounting surface 20, as further describedbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 33, the front side 20A of the mounting surface 20is shown having an upwardly extending side wall 330 with a notched-outportion 332. The notched-out portion 332 opens into an inset channel 340having a centrally located groove 342. Extending outwardly from thefront side 20A of the mounting surface 20 are ribs 344 a-344 c, whichserve as retaining guides for a slipper pad as further described below.The inset channel 340 further includes outwardly extending ribs 346 a,346 b which are configured to retain the electrical connector 40 in aslideably connected arrangement with the mounting surface 20, as furtherdescribed below.

Referring now to FIGS. 34A and 34B, the inset slot 340 is shown from therear side 20B of the mounting surface 20, and with specific reference toFIG. 34B, the electrical connector 40 is shown slideably connected tothe inset slot 340. As shown in FIG. 34B, the central guide member 322is disposed within the central groove 342 of inset channel 340. In thisway, the central guide member 322 guides the sliding movement of theelectrical connector 40 between the extended position V (FIG. 29) andthe connected position W (FIG. 30) along a path as indicated by arrow X.The abutment portions 326 a, 326 b of retaining legs 324 a, 324 b retainthe electrical connector 40 within the inset slot 340 in a slideablemanner by their interaction with outwardly extending ribs 346 a, 346 bdisposed on the rear side 20B of the mounting surface 20. Thisinteraction ensures that the electrical connector 40 will not becomefully removed from its connection with the mounting surface 20 when thefirst door 26 moves to the open position O1 (FIG. 28). In FIG. 34B, thefirst door 26 has been removed to show the connection between theelectrical connector 40 and the mounting surface 20, however, the firstdoor 26 would be disposed between the electrical connector 40 andmounting surface 20 in assembly. In FIG. 34B, the electrical connector40 is shown in the connected position W in which the shoulder portion311 of the outer housing 310 would be abutting the body portion 180 ofthe first door 26 (FIG. 30), and concealing any gaps therebetween.

Referring now to FIGS. 35A and 35B, the electrical connector 40 is shownin the connected position W. With specific reference to FIG. 35A, thepower plug 316 is shown inserted into the power port 306 of theelectronic device 300. The outer housing 310 of the electrical connector340 further includes an upper portion 350 having a lower surface 352which locates to the outer frame 302 of the electronic device 300 on anupper side thereof. In this way, the upper portion 350 of the outerhousing 310 captures and retains the electronic device 300 when theelectrical connector 40 is in the connected position W. With the powerplug 316 connected to the power port 306, the electronic device 300 isfully powered and ready for use by a user. As noted above, theconnection of the power plug 316 and power port 306 may also serve tocharge the electronic device 300 or provide data thereto. The power plug316 is connected to a mounting portion 354 which is further connected tothe body portion 312 of the electrical connector 40. As further shown inFIG. 35A, a wire 360 is used to couple to the power plug 316 at themounting portion 354 for providing power to the electronic device 300through the power plug 316, wherein the power may be supplied from thepower module 57 shown in FIG. 12. The wire 360 includes a slack portion362 which provides the slack necessary in order for the door 26 to moveto the open position O1 along the path as indicated by arrow 27. In thisway, the power plug 316 remains connected to the wire 360 when the door26 moves laterally to the open position O1, and the power plug 316 isunplugged from the power port 306 of the electronic device 300. The wire360 is contemplated to be a ribbon cable or other like supply line toprovide power as well as data to the electronic device 300 through powerplug 316 and power port 306. As further shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, theelectrical connector 40 includes an access door 315 which providesaccess for tooling and other instruments for properly connecting thepower plug 316 to the body portion 312 of the electrical connector 40.

Referring now to FIG. 35B, the electrical connector 40 is again shown incross-section with a wing support 356 coupled to the body portion 312.The wing support 356 is contemplated to hold the mounting portion 354 ofthe power plug 316 in assembly. As noted above, the upper portion 350 ofthe electrical connector 40 contacts the outer frame 302 of theelectronic device 300 at lower surface 352. Further, on back panel 301of the electronic device 300, the serially aligned tunable ribs 320 areengaged therewith from an underside of the electronic device 300.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35B, the electronic device holder 10includes a layer of padding or flock herein indicated by referencenumeral 370. The flocking layer 370 is used to cover the mountingsurface 20 to provide a padded layer or liner to the mounting surface 20and to cushion the electronic device 300 in an anti-vibrational andanti-rattle manner. Disposed below the flocking layer 370, a slipper pad372 is disposed which is used to engage the tunable ribs 320 of theelectrical connector 40 so that the tunable ribs 320 will easily slidetowards the connected position W and not be caught up on the padding ofthe flocking layer 370. Thus, as shown in FIG. 35B, the tunable ribs 320serve to push the flocking layer 370 and slipper pad 372 upward intocontact with the back panel 301 of the electronic device 300. Thus, thetunable ribs 320 and the upper portion 350 of the electrical connector40 self-position in a vertical manner, as shown in FIG. 35B, to theouter frame 302 and back panel 301 of the electronic device 300 as theelectrical connector 40 moves to the connected position W.

Referring now to FIG. 36, the serially aligned tunable ribs 320 of theelectrical connector 40 are shown acting on the slipper pad 372 andflocking layer 370 against the back panel 301 of the electronic device300 to positively capture the electronic device 300. As further shown inFIG. 36, the upwardly extending ribs 344 a, 344 b disposed on the frontside 20A of the mounting surface 20 are used to position the slipper pad372 into its proper position for being received against the seriallyaligned tunable ribs 320 of the electrical connector 40 and covering theflocking layer 370 from interrupting movement of the tunable ribs 320.

Referring now to FIG. 37, the electrical connector 40 is shown havingfasteners 380 connected to the support wings 356 of the mounting portion354, thereby mounting the power plug 316 (FIG. 31) to the electricalconnector 40. As further shown in FIG. 37, the electrical connector 40is disposed within aperture 181 of the body portion 180 of the firstdoor 26. In the view of FIG. 37, the shoulder portion 311 of the outerhousing 310 will abut the body portion 180 of the door 26 when the doormoves to the open position O1. Further, in the view of FIG. 37, theelectrical connector 40 is shown to have a certain amount of play orfloat between the aperture 181 and the body portion 312 of theelectrical connector 40. This gap, shown at 382, allows for theelectrical connector 40 to float within aperture 181 approximately1.0-2.0 mm, thereby allowing a user to properly position the electricalconnector 40 in a manner such that the power plug 316 aligns with andproperly connects to the power port 306. Without this gap 382, theelectrical connector 40 would be a substantially rigid electricalconnector that would not have the room to maneuver in order to ensureproper electrical connection to the electronic device 300.

Referring now to FIG. 38, the electronic device holder 10 is shown froma rear view as disconnected from the seatback 16 (FIG. 1). The doors 26,28 are in the closed positions C1, C2 relative to the rear housing 21.The electronic device holder 10 includes a mounting portion 400 whichhingedly connects the electronic device holder 10 to the seatback 16.The mounting portion 400 includes first and second end caps 402, 404disposed on opposite sides of hinge covers 406, 408. A central raceway410 is also disposed on the mounting portion 400. The hinge covers 406,408 cover friction hinge assemblies for pivoting the electronic deviceholder 10, as further described below. The mounting portion furtherincludes an accessory bezel 412, through which a male power plug 414 isaccessible. Extending outwardly from the accessory bezel 412 is a postmember 418 which is part of a release button 416, which is best shown inFIG. 39. The post member 418 is biased towards a locked position bybiasing mechanism 419, which is shown in FIG. 38 in the form of a coilspring. In use, the post member 418 laterally moves the locking plate 90b (FIG. 45) between locked and unlocked positions, as further describedbelow. First and second cone nuts 420, 422 also extend outwardly fromthe accessory bezel 412 and are used to couple and support theelectronic device holder 10 through the access apertures 114 a, 114 band receiving apertures 80 a, 80 b (FIG. 13), to thereby mount theelectronic device holder 10 to the seatback 16 (FIG. 1), as furtherdescribed below.

Referring now to FIG. 39, the electronic device holder 10 is shown froma side profile, wherein the post member 418 and cone nut 422 are shownextending outwardly from the accessory bezel 412. The first and secondcone nuts 420, 422 (FIG. 38) are contemplated to be steel cone nutswhich have a common configuration and are exemplified in FIG. 39 by thedescription of second cone nut 422. As shown in FIG. 39, cone nut 422includes an outermost angled portion 424 and a cylindrical body portion426. Adjacent to the accessory bezel 412, a channel 428 is disposed oncone nut 422 which is configured to retain a portion of the lockingplate 90 b (FIG. 45) therein when the electronic device holder 10 ismounted and locked in place on the seatback 16, as further describedbelow. The cone nut 422 further includes a collar portion 429 whichabuts the mounting bracket 56 in assembly as part of the all-steel loadpath through the device. As noted above, the mounting portion 400 of theelectronic device holder 10 is a hinged mounting portion which allowsthe electronic device holder 10 to pivot along a path as indicated byarrow S. Therefore, the electronic device holder 10 is configured tomove from an upright position, shown in FIG. 1, to a downward storageposition, shown in FIG. 40. As used with the electronic device holder10, the first and second cone nuts 420, 422 define mounting members forthe electronic device holder 10. Other configurations for such mountingmembers are also contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 40, the electronic device holder 10 is shown inthe downward storage position, wherein the electronic device holder 10shields and protects an electronic device stored therein. The mountingportion 400 includes a pair of friction hinges, further described below,which ensure that the electronic device holder 10 will remain in thedownward storage position once pivoted thereto, such that the electronicdevice holder 10 will not randomly rotate into the leg area of a rearseated passenger. Thus, the electronic device holder 10 is designed tobe self-retaining in the stowed position shown in FIG. 40, wherein theelectronic device holder 10 is nestled into the seatback 16. Theelectronic device holder 10 can be stowed with or without an electronicdevice, such as tablet 300, retained therein and the tablet 300, ifcaptured within the electronic device holder 10, can continue to becharged in the folded or stowed position. As further shown in FIG. 40,the seatback dock 135 includes an outer seat bezel 17 in which theretractable door 130 is disposed. The retractable door 130 is shown inthe refracted position R, such that the electronic device holder 10 canbe mounted to the seatback 16 at mounting portion 400.

Referring now to FIG. 41, the mounting portion 400 includes a frictionhinge 430 having a grooved hinge shaft 432 extending outwardlytherefrom. As noted above, the hinge 430 is contemplated to be one of apair of friction hinges disposed in the mounting portion 400, which areeach separately covered by hinged covers 406, 408. The grooved hingeshaft 432 is shown coupled to an L-shaped bracket 434 having legs 436,438. Specifically, the grooved hinge shaft 432 is received throughaperture 440 of leg 436 of the L-shaped bracket 434, wherein aperture440 includes a cross-section that compliments the configuration ofgrooved hinge shaft 432. The grooved hinge shaft 432 is machine pressedinto aperture 440 to ensure that the grooved hinge shaft 432 is closelyand securely received within aperture 440. The L-shaped bracket 434 andhinge shaft 432 are contemplated to be ridged steel members as part of asteel load path disposed through the electronic device holder 10. Leg438 of the L-shaped bracket 434 includes a fastener aperture 442 and alocating aperture 444 disposed therethrough. The accessory bezel 412includes a locating feature 446 which is received in locating aperture444 of the L-shaped bracket 434. The fastener aperture 442 aligns with ahollow interior portion 420 a of cone nut 420. In this way, the cone nut420 couples to the L-shaped bracket 434 using a fastener, such as an M6screw, as further described below with reference to FIG. 44B. Similarly,cone nut 422 couples to an L-shaped bracket which is coupled to anotherfriction hinge disposed on an opposite side of the electronic deviceholder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 42, end cap 402 is shown in place, therebycovering the L-shaped bracket 434 as connected to friction hinge 430, asdescribed above and shown in FIG. 41. As further noted in FIG. 42, thelower frame member 24 of the electronic device holder 10 includes apower button 450, as well as volume control buttons 452, 454. Inassembly, it is contemplated that the power button 450 aligns with apower button of the electronic device 300, while the volume controlbuttons 452, 454 align with volume control buttons disposed on theelectronic device 300. In this way, the electronic device holder 10 isconfigured to control the externally accessible control features of theelectronic device 300 when an electronic device 300 is secured withinthe electronic device holder 10. The buttons 450, 452, 454 arecontemplated to be made of a resilient rubber material having a springreturn feature as coupled to the lower frame member 24 without anymoving parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 43A and 43B, another embodiment of a lockingplate 90 b is shown. The locking plate 90 b, similar to locking plate 90a shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, mounts to the mounting wall 79 of themounting bracket 56 for lateral movement thereon. The locking plate 90 bincludes a generally planar body portion 460, through which lockingapertures 97 a, 97 b and slots 94 a, 94 b are formed. A centrallydisposed aperture 462 is also disposed therethrough and is configured toalign with central aperture 115 of the trim retention cover 54 inassembly. A tang member 464 is disposed within central aperture 462 andis configured to connect with the post member 418 for laterally movingthe locking plate 90 b as mounted to the mounting bracket 56. Thelocking apertures 97 a, 97 b are configured to have an angled portion 97c and a rounded portion 97 d. The angled portion 97 c of each lockingapertures 97 a, 97 b is configured to move the locking plate 90 b as thesteel cone nuts 420, 422 are inserted therein. Specifically, as the conenuts 420, 422 are received in locking apertures 97 a, 97 b, theoutermost angled portions 424 (FIG. 39) of the cone nuts 420, 422 willact on the angled portions 97 c of locking apertures 97 a, 97 b. Thus,as shown in FIG. 43A, the locking plate 90 b would slide sideways on themounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56 towards the right along apath as indicated by arrow Q to an unlocked position as the cone nuts420, 422 enter the locking apertures 97 a, 97 b in a wedged or biasingmanner. The angled portions 97 c of the locking apertures 97 a, 97 bwould then move along the cylindrical body portion 426 (FIG. 39) of thecone nuts 420, 422 until the cone nuts 420, 422 are fully inserted andthe locking plate 90 b snaps into a locked positon within the grooves428 of the cone nuts 420, 422, thereby automatically locking theelectronic device holder 10 to the seatback dock 135, and providing theuser with tactile feedback indicating that the apparatus is received andlocked in place. As noted above, the locking plate 90 b is biased bybiasing member 100 towards the locked position, such that when the conenuts 420, 422 are fully inserted into the locking apertures 97 a, 97 b,the angled portions 97 c of the locking apertures 97 a, 97 b will fullyseat within the grooves 428 of the cone nuts 420, 422, thereby lockingthe mounting portion 400 of the electronic device holder 10 in place onthe mounting bracket 56. This locked engagement is best shown withreference to FIGS. 44A, 44B and 45. As best shown in FIG. 43B, themounting plate 90 b further includes bracket portions 466, 468 disposedon opposite sides thereof for use in retaining a spring release feature,as further described below. The locking plate 90 b further includes acentral bracket portion 470 disposed on a top portion thereof forcoupling to the spring loaded ejection feature, as further describedbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 44A and 44B, the electronic device holder 10 isshown installed on the mounting bracket 56, wherein the cone nuts 420,422 (exemplified by cone nut 422), have been inserted into the relativelocking apertures, such that the cone nut 422 is locked into place bylocking plate 90 b being received in a locked configuration withingrooves 428 of the cone nuts 420, 422. Thus, in FIGS. 44A and 44B, theangled portion 424 of the cone nut 422 has been inserted through lockingaperture 97 a of the locking plate 90 b, such that the angled portion424 of the cone nut 422 has acted on the angled portion 97 c of lockingaperture 97 a. This wedging interaction forces has moved the lockingplate 90 b to an unlocked position on mounting wall 79 of the mountingbracket 56. As the cone nut 422 is further inserted in a direction asindicated by arrow T, the locking plate 90 b slides along thecylindrical body portion 426 of the cone nut 422 until the locking plate90 b reaches the groove 428 of the cone nut 422. When the groove 428 andthe locking plate 90 b are aligned with one another, the locking plate90 b will automatically snap into the locked configuration, wherein theangled portion 97 c of locking aperture 97 a (FIG. 43A) is fully seatedwithin the groove 428, thereby locking the mounting portion 400 of theelectronic device holder 10 in place. As further shown in FIG. 44B, afastener 470, in the form of an M6 screw, is shown coupling the steelcone nut 422 to a steel L-shaped bracket 434 a, a reciprocal L-shapedbracket to L-shaped bracket 434 shown in FIG. 41 at aperture 442,thereby providing an all-steel connection between the mounting bracket56 and the electronic device holder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 45, the electronic device holder 10 has beenmounted to the mounting bracket 56, such that the first and second conenuts 420, 422 are received in locking apertures 97 b, 97 a,respectively, with the angled portions 97 c fully received in a lockedengagement with grooves 428 of the cone nuts 420, 422. Thus, wheninserting the first and second cone nuts 420, 422 into the lockingapertures 97 a, 97 b, the outermost angled portions 424 of the cone nuts420, 422 will urge the locking plate 90 b sideways as indicated by arrowQ1. In this way, the cylindrical body portions 426 of the cone nuts 420,422 will be generally positioned near the rounded portions 97 d of thelocking apertures 97 a, 97 b. When the angled portions 97 c of thelocking apertures 97 a, 97 b aligns with the groove 428 (FIG. 44B) ofthe first and second cone nuts 420, 422, the locking plate 90 b willsnap into a locked engagement in a direction as indicated by arrow Q2 asbiased by the biasing mechanism 100 as coupled to outwardly extendingtab 84 disposed on mounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56. When auser wishes to release the locking plate 90 b to remove the electronicdevice holder 10 from the mounting bracket 56, the user will engagerelease button 416, as best shown in FIG. 46, and manually move therelease button 416 in a direction as indicated by arrow Q1, such thatthe post member 418, shown in FIG. 45, acts on tang 464 to move thelocking plate 90 b laterally along mounting wall 79 of the mountingbracket 56 to the unlocked position. The movement of the release button416 in the direction as indicated by arrow Q1 moves the locking plate 90b, such that the first and second cone nuts 420, 422 are generallydisposed within the rounded portions 97 d of the locking apertures 97 a,97 b. In this way, the locking plate 90 b is in an unlocked conditionand free from the grooves 428 of the first and second cone nuts 420,422, such that the user can now easily remove the mounting portion 400from its locked connection with the mounting bracket 56. When the usedhas disconnected the mounting portion 400, the user will release releasebutton 416 which will automatically move in the direction indicated byarrow Q2 as biased by biasing member 419 (FIG. 38).

Referring now to FIG. 47, a button cover 480 is shown coupled to thelocking plate 90 b at brackets 466, 468 and 470. The button cover 480includes first and second housing portions 482, 484 which areinterconnected by bridge portion 486. The housing portions 482, 484 areconfigured to include a button and biasing mechanism for providing aspring release feature for help in ejecting the mounting portion 400from the mounted position with the vehicle seat 12, as further describedbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 48, the button cover 480 is shown having a button490 disposed therein which has been pushed laterally into the housingportion 482 in a direction as indicated by arrow 492. As the button 490moves laterally into the housing portion 484, a spring 494 is loadedagainst a back wall 484 a of the housing portion 484. In this way, ascone nut 422 enters receiving aperture 80 a of the mounting bracket 56and locking aperture 97 a of locking plate 90 b, the cone nut 422 willabut button 490 and move the button 490 laterally in a direction asindicated by arrow 492 to a loaded position against spring 494, as shownin FIG. 48. Thus, when the locking plate 90 b is moved in the directionas indicated by arrow Q1 (FIG. 45) by release button 416 (FIG. 46), thespring 494 will act on button 490 to help eject the cone nut 422 fromthe housing portion 484 and ultimately from mounting bracket 56 in adirection as indicated by arrow 493. Again, this spring release of thecone nut 422 is also realized on cone nut 420 to aid in the ejection ofthe cone nuts 420, 422 from the mounted position on mounting bracket 56.

Thus, the buttons, exemplified by button 490 of FIG. 48, provide aspring eject feature to the seatback dock 135 (FIGS. 13 and 40), suchthat once the sliding locking plate 90 b has been disengaged from thegrooves 428 in the cone nuts 420, 422, the buttons 490 will activelypush the cone nuts 420, 422 out of the seatback dock 135. The buttons490, which abut and close the locking apertures 97 a, 97 b of thesliding locking plate 90 b when the cone nuts 420, 422 are removed,provide a cleaner appearance to the seatback dock 135 if the customerdoes not close the retractable door 130 (FIGS. 12, 13) when no accessoryis in place. The closure of the locking apertures 97 a, 97 b of thesliding locking plate 90 b by the buttons 490 also acts as a shield toensure small items are not easily pushed into the locking apertures 97a, 97 b to interfere with the workings of the system.

Thus, when mounting the electronic device holder 10 to the seatback 16,a user will first make sure that the retractable door 130 is in theretracted position R (FIG. 13) on the seatback dock 135 to reveal accessapertures 114 a, 114 b disposed on the seatback dock 135. With referenceto FIG. 38, cone nut 422 will enter access aperture 114 a and mount toreceiving aperture 80 a of the mounting bracket 56. Similarly, cone nut420 will enter access aperture 114 b and mount to receiving aperture 80b of the mounting bracket 56. As discussed above, cone nut 422 will alsoenter into locking aperture 97 a as the locking plate 90 b slidessideways on the mounting bracket 56 by the wedged engagement of the conenut 422 and the locking aperture 97 a. Similarly, cone nut 420 willenter locking aperture 97 b until the cone nuts 420, 422 are fullyinserted and locking plate 90 b snaps into the locked position, asdescribed above. The tactile feedback of the locking plate 90 b ensuresthe user that the electronic device holder 10 is fully inserted into theseatback dock 135 and is readily supported by the mounting bracket 56.

Referring now to FIG. 49, the mounting portion 400 of the electronicdevice holder 10 is configured to electronically couple with a powersource of a vehicle, such as power module 57 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, themounting portion 40 includes a power plug 500 received in a femaleconnector 502 which is coupled to a lead 504. It is contemplated thatthe female connector 502 may be disposed directly on the power module 57(FIG. 3) or may be otherwise connected to the power module 57 throughlead 504. As shown in FIG. 49, the female connector 502 is positionedwithin central aperture 462 of the locking plate 90 b such that thepower plug 500 can be received therethrough and connected to the femaleconnector 502. The power plug 500 enters through the central aperture462 of the locking plate 90 b and further extends through an accessaperture 506 disposed on the mounting bracket 56. The power plug 500 iscoupled to a connector portion 508 which is further coupled to a lead510 disposed in central raceway 410 of the mounting portion 400 of theelectronic device holder 10. Lead 510 further includes a hinge portion512 which is configured to be disposed at the hinge axis of theelectronic device holder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 50, the hinge portion 512 of lead 510 is showndisposed at hinge 430 and around grooved hinge shaft 432. The lead 510then continues upward between mounting surface 20 and rear housing 21 ofthe electronic device holder 10 to finally couple to a printed circuitboard (PCB) 514 which is contemplated to be further coupled to powerplug 316 via wire 360 as shown and described above with reference toFIG. 35A. Thus, the electronic device holder 10 is configured toelectronically couple with a power source of the vehicle in an automaticmanner when the first and second cone nuts 420, 422 are loaded onto themounting bracket 56 and are in the locked position shown in FIG. 44B. Inthe locked position, power plug 500 aligns with female connector 502 toelectronically couple the electronic device holder 10, as shown in FIG.49. Thus, the wires and leads used in the electronic device holder 10 ofthe present invention are configured to be concealed as disposed in themounting portion 400 to the electrical connector 40. The wires areconcealed, yet allow for full pivotal movement of the electronic deviceholder 10, along a path as indicated by arrow 516 in FIG. 50, and alsoto allow lateral movement of the electrical connector 40 as the firstdoor 26 opens and closes, as described above.

In assembly, first and second cone nuts 420, 422 are the primary loadpath between the removable electronic device holder 10 and the fixedseatback assembly 16. Load forces realized on the electronic deviceholder 10 pass from the electronic device holder 10, through thefriction hinges 430 and hinge shaft 432 (FIG. 41), to the L-shapedbracket 434 through the M6 screw 470 (FIG. 44B), into the cone nut 422,into the mounting bracket 56 supported on the rear of the seatback frame44 (FIG. 6), and into the sliding locking plate 90 b coupled to themounting wall 79 of the mounting bracket 56 (FIG. 45). In assembly, anyup-down and side-to-side forces are transferred from the cone nuts 420,422 and into the sides of the receiving apertures 80 a, 80 b (FIG. 7) inthe mounting bracket 56. Forces toward the front of the vehicle aretransferred from the collar 429 disposed around the cone nuts 420, 422and into the rear face of the mounting wall 79 of mounting bracket 56(FIG. 48). Forces toward the rear of the vehicle are transferred fromthe walls of the grooves 428 of the cone nuts 420, 422 the slidinglocking plate 90 b and then into the forward face of the mounting wall79 of mounting bracket 56 (FIG. 44B). Thus, the load path is comprisedof steel-to-steel connections throughout the assembly.

The electronic device holder 10 is designed to be intrinsically safe andthis is typified by the action used to open the first and second doors26, 28 and the automatic closure of the doors 26, 28. The first andsecond doors 26, 28 are simultaneously opened by hand actuation of the“shot gun” actuator 42 disposed on second door 28, but are configured toautomatically spring closed when the detent release lever 36 isdepressed (by the tablet or the user), or when the user taps the seconddoor 28 inwardly towards the mounting surface 20. Similarly, asdiscussed above, the removable electronic device holder 20 is attachedsecurely to the seatback 16 by pressing the cone nuts 420, 422 (FIG.44A) forward into the two mounting apertures 80 a, 80 b of the mainmounting bracket 54. Further, the sliding locking plate 90 b (FIG. 43A)is sprung to the closed position (FIG. 45), such that when the occupantpresses the cone nuts 420, 422 home against the rear face of the mainmounting bracket 54, the mounting portion 400 will automatically lockwithout any further action from the occupant.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device holder, comprising: amounting surface configured to receive an electronic device; a dooroperably coupled to the mounting surface between open and closedpositions and including an aperture; and an electrical connectorslideably coupled to the mounting surface through the aperture, whereinthe electrical connector moves to an extended position as the door movesto the open position, and remains in the extended position as the doormoves to the closed position.
 2. The electronic device holder of claim1, including: a power plug mounted to the electrical connector.
 3. Theelectronic device holder of claim 2, including: a power port disposed onthe electronic device.
 4. The electronic device holder of claim 3,wherein the power plug of the electrical connector is received in thepower port of the electronic device when the electrical connector ismoved from the extended position to a connected position.
 5. Theelectronic device holder of claim 4, wherein the electrical connectorincludes an outer housing having a shoulder portion.
 6. The electronicdevice holder of claim 5, wherein the shoulder portion abuts a bodyportion of the door as the door moves to the open position to move theelectrical connector to the extended position.
 7. The electronic deviceholder of claim 6, wherein the electrical connector includes a lowerportion having one or more retaining legs slideably coupled to themounting surface.
 8. The electronic device holder of claim 1, whereinthe electrical connector is operably coupled to an external power sourcefor interfacing with the electronic device.
 9. An electrical connector,comprising: an outer housing having outwardly extending upper and lowerportions; and a power plug disposed between the upper and lowerportions, wherein the upper portion is configured to locate to a firstside of an electronic device and the lower portion is configured tolocate to a second opposite side of the electronic device for aligningthe power plug with a power port of the electronic device, and furtherwherein the lower portion includes an outwardly extending flange havinga plurality of tunable ribs disposed on an upper side thereof and acentral guide member disposed on a lower side.
 10. The electricalconnector of claim 9, wherein the lower portion further includes one ormore retaining legs for mounting the electrical connector to a surfaceof an electronic device holder.
 11. The electrical connector of claim10, wherein the electrical connector is slideably mounted on theelectronic device holder between extended and connected positions. 12.An electronic device holder, comprising: a mounting surface having amounting cavity for mounting an electronic device therein, first andsecond doors disposed on opposite sides of the mounting cavity andoperably coupled to the mounting surface between open and closedpositions; and an electrical connector slideably coupled to the mountingsurface between extended and connected positions, wherein the electricalconnector is configured to move to the extended position when the doorsare in the open position, and further wherein the electrical connectorremains in the extended position as the doors move to the closedposition around the electronic device, the electrical connector furtherconfigured for electrical connection with the electronic device as movedfrom the extended position to the connected position when the doors arein the closed position.
 13. The electronic device holder of claim 12,wherein the first and second doors are configured to move laterallyoutward with respect to the mounting surface in the open position. 14.The electronic device holder of claim 13, wherein the first and seconddoors are configured to move laterally towards the mounting cavity inthe closed position for retaining the electronic device in the mountingcavity.
 15. The electronic device holder of claim 12, wherein theelectrical connector includes an outer housing having a shoulderportion.
 16. The electronic device holder of claim 15, wherein theshoulder portion of the outer housing abuts a body portion of one of thefirst and second doors as the first and second doors move to the openposition to move the electrical connector to the extended position. 17.The electronic device holder of claim 16, including: an upper portionand a lower portion extending outwardly from the outer housing, whereinthe electronic device is received between the upper and lower portionswhen the electrical connector is in the connected position.
 18. Theelectronic device holder of claim 17, wherein the lower portion furtherincludes one or more tunable ribs disposed thereon.
 19. The electronicdevice holder of claim 18, wherein the electrical connector is operablycoupled to an external power source for interfacing with the electronicdevice through a power plug disposed between the upper and lowerportions, and further wherein the electronic device includes a powerport in which the power plug is received when the electrical connectoris manually moved from the extended position to the connected position.